Ischemic heart disease Board decisions

The Veteran's claim for service connection for hypertension, cervical spine disorder, heart condition, digestive disorder, thyroid disorder (secondary to herbicide exposure), and erectile dysfunction is granted. Service connection for PTSD has an effective date of July 7, 2004. The right knee disability remains rated at 10 percent.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for heart disease was previously denied in 1971 and has not been reopened.,Hypertension is not considered to be caused or aggravated by the Veteran's diabetes.

The Veteran's death was caused by septic shock due to renal stone disease, diabetes mellitus, and coronary artery disease. The Board found that these conditions were not service-connected.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, a skin disorder, and residuals of an eye injury have been granted. The Veteran also has a current diagnosis of coronary artery disease presumed due to Agent Orange exposure.

The Board has granted service connection for various conditions, including headaches and hypertension, all claimed as secondary to in-service exposure to toxic chemicals. The effective date is not specified.

The Veteran's appeals for service connection on multiple conditions have been dismissed as the Veteran withdrew his appeals during a hearing before the Board of Veterans' Appeals.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for hospitalization and treatment at Manatee Memorial Hospital were reimbursed as the services were rendered in a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to health, and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Veteran's appeal involves two issues: a request for an increased evaluation for coronary artery disease status-post stent placement, and the propriety of reducing his PTSD disability rating from 100 to 70 percent. The Board has determined that both issues are in need of further development.

The Board has remanded the case for further development, including obtaining an addendum to the August 2010 VA examination and addressing the opinions of previous examiners.

The Board denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for coronary artery disease, left ear hearing loss, and tinnitus. The decision found that there was no evidence of a heart attack or other cardiac injury during the period of inactive duty training from March 15-17, 2002, and concluded that the Veteran did not have coronary artery disease incurred in service.

The Board has reopened the claims for service connection for a left shoulder disability with tingling sensation of the left hand, a heart disorder, and a neck disorder. The decision remains undecided on other issues.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus and related conditions, finding no evidence of in-service exposure to herbicide agents or a direct link between the Veteran's military service and his current health issues.

The Veteran's service-connected bronchial asthma did not cause or contribute substantially to his death. The Board finds that the preponderance of evidence does not support a finding that any of his service-connected conditions caused or contributed to his death.

The Board denied service connection for a gastrointestinal disorder other than GERD as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's current diagnoses of hiatal hernia and gastritis are not likely related to or aggravated by his PTSD.,The Board also denied service connection for a heart disability as secondary to PTSD. The Veteran's coronary artery disease is less likely caused by or a result of his PTSD.

The Veteran's diabetes mellitus is currently rated at 20 percent, and the Board finds that this rating adequately reflects his current disability level.

The Board has denied the reopening of claims for service connection for coronary artery disease with myocardial infarction and right bundle branch block, as well as the denial of service connection for hypertension (claimed as high blood pressure) and left ventricular hypertrophy. The evidence received since the January 2006 rating decision does not meet the criteria for new and material evidence.,The Veteran's claims have been denied due to a lack of sufficient evidence linking these conditions to his military service.

The Veteran's low back disorder, heart disorder, and hypertension are not found to be related to his service-connected hydronephrosis or any other service-connected disability.

The Board found that the Veteran's income exceeded the maximum annual pension rate (MAPR) for all periods considered, thus denying his claim for NSC pension benefits.

The Board has remanded the case for additional development, including a VA cardiology examination to determine if the Veteran's current heart disability is related to his service or any other conditions.

The Board has determined that the Veteran's service-connected PTSD contributed to his death from atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, thus granting service connection for the cause of the Veteran's death.